Intervening in Pustec: development of a matrix for the evaluation of intervention models promoting sustainable tourism in the Prespa Lake area

Intervening in protected areas, such as Prespa Lake and Pustec Municipality (AL), is delicate due to the sensitive environment and the rural nature of the lifestyle.Protected by UNESCO since 1979, it strives to defend the area from extreme human interventions that could devastate the ecosystem. However, considering its significant distance from cities, lack of essential services, and job opportunities, it faces ever-increasing abandonment. To avert this scenario and recognize the value of the natural environment, the studio aims to explore opportunities, measure potential impacts generated from the interventions, and encourage sustainable tourism. One of the challenges lies in the unique aspects of the area, which necessitate a thorough analysis of the context and the potential impact on the natural and rural environment. A methodological framework is proposed, based on the connection and classification of each category of actions. Specifically, a visual matrix was developed to evaluate tourism-related interventions based on seven key indicators—including green impact, pollution risk, cultural enhancement, and susceptibility to mass tourism—across three categories: services, activities, and transport. The matrix draws on data collected during a field survey in November 2023 across Albania, North Macedonia, and Greece, integrating stakeholder input, infrastructural analysis, and landscape assessment. The tool aims to support participatory decision-making among municipalities and residents, encouraging strategies that promote nature-based tourism while preserving local identity and natural heritage. Though tailored to the Pustec area, the matrix can be ad